by Susan Kramer
As adults
we serve as children's guides
for society's future benefit
We were each a child who grew and became more visible in the world. If we respect children as individuals who have their own thoughts, emotions, and dreams, they will feel good about themselves and in turn respect us. This back and forth respect and communication bridges the generation gap.
We tend to lump children together
as one homogenous segment
of humanity
More often than not
because of their achievements
seeing the individuality of
adults
rather than the uniqueness
of each child
For adults, children are our inspirations to act as best we can. Growth is from both sides. The 'adult' is the example and the 'child' inspires the adult to be their best.
Children are impressionable and react rapidly to stimulus. Children as individuals need a general and personalized plan with their schooling to develop their inherent qualities.
Besides academics, children need to learn practical living skills and spiritual practices, providing a foundation to live in society as useful adults.
Children learn best when they
see the adults around them
modeling what they want the
children to learn
Crossing the Bridge to Adulthood
Teenagers walk across a bridge spanning the river of uncertainty, from the security of childhood on one side, to the other side of sole responsibility. It is a swinging bridge, with teenagers swaying at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end, sometimes hanging on precariously along the way, till finally stepping onto the firm ground of independence.
Adults that are around children need to extend a helping hand if teenagers are about to fall; otherwise we should just observe and allow them to master their walk.
The basis for their behavior as teenagers was set before they turned thirteen years old. In the teenage years the fledglings are testing their wings. Adults can guide but not act for teenagers, otherwise they won't reach the end of their bridge to independence, or will be slowed down past the age of twenty.
Guidelines for teenage behavior at home and at school should be set by the parents and teachers with repercussions made known beforehand.
Childhood to adulthood
a process of change
from dependency
to self-determination
As adults, we have golden opportunities to inspire and bring out the best in children, our next generation, by our words and actions. Let us, as responsible adults, fully love each other and our children, living as the best examples that we can.
Children as individuals
soon to be adults
part of our world wide family
Let's guide their journey
by being the best we can be
text and garden
photo ã
2001 Susan Kramer
http://www.susankramer.com
susan@susankramer.com